What to wear to dh's 40th bday party.. In an east London bar

[Spink]

...I want to look relaxed & not too try hard, but also want the outfit to be 'special enough'.
I'm 5'9 & a size 14, legs prob my best feature, not so good belly or arm tops. Help please!

Spink - also forgot to mention, have you been to '& other stories'? fabulous accessories and clothes (and shoes!) www.stories.com

Thanks 29, I'll stay away from Marni but check out the others..

Oh I am pleased you're going to try the jumpsuit. If you like it and it suits you, I think it will become a staple in your wardrobe - chuck it on when you have no other inspiration and need to look good. Mine what I was talking about is a similar shape and fabric and hasn't dated at all.

Sadly DD is up from her nap (we are in diff time zone) so I must devote time to her, the wretch

But I will be back later with links to cuffs!

ps while you're in Topshop try their lipsticks, they're fantastic and only 8 quid. Ditto eye pencils, 4 quid.

Thanks rooty!

Ooh naughty Mumsnetters. I have just ordered the silk playsuit! I'm not even going anywhere!

I am not getting much cuff joy.

There is this, the mother of all cuffs, which would be great with the short sleeves. This is as high but less in your face and this one is nice too. They're all plain gold.

I was hoping to happen on something really modern - enamel or perspex, but I haven't yet.

Was going to suggest a playsuit or shorts if you have good legs (that's often my answer to everything!). Remember, you will be wearing them with tights (probably opaques) at this time of year so that will take a little of the risk out of them!

I went shopping today & had a bit of a shocker. Toppers jumpsuits are Not Good for me. I tried 2 as well as a play suit.. My waist is in the wrong place I think. I looked lumpen. It was a bit depressing. I also tried the top casacastille liked but it looked kind of mumsy & boring on me. So topshop did not make me feel happy today.

Then dh picked out this from Zara .. And I ended up getting it, though I'm not sure about it. It was a desperation purchase. Dh says it's kooky sexy, not the elegant sexy (!) I had in mind. It is VERY SHORT ie if while wearing it I drop something, that something is staying on the floor. I have no idea what to wear with it. I think the online pic does it no favours & kinda like it but just not convinced.

I also tried this on nice enough but a bit dull.

Then I ran out of time, also it wasn't fun anymore, so I went home for a ver big cup of tea.

Whaddya reckon?

the dress is cute but a bit daytime for me, the lurex sweater is dull you're right. How is your figure generally? could you wear a very tight black dress?

rooty before I'd been ou for the jumpsuit shopping trip of doom I looked on etsy and found some looovely perspex cuffs. They are obviously no use to me if I go with the Zara dress, but just in case you're looking for yourself...

29 no I think tight anything is not great. I need clothes that are forgiving of my belly, I found today.

And my figure is quite... straight up & down (from the front); not much of a waist, I'm tall & have long legs, 36c boobs. Size 14 overall.

right i don't know how to do the link thing without copying the whole link? However i've seen something that could work? go onto asos and look for Warehouse Twist Neck Jumpsuit. Should disguise a tummy, nice detail at the neck and i think good for tall/long legs?

or whatabout some leather trousers/leggings with a long silk blouse? could do nice heels and a necklace to bring a bit of glamour?

I second the coated skinny jeans suggestions. You've got the height (hence the legs) to carry them off. Glam top, heels, statement earrings, can't go wrong. COS have some lovely double layer tops in the sale, great for concealing a slight tum.

I don't love the Zara dress but maybe that's just me. I'm a similar height - and another straight up & downer - and frocks like that make me look like an overgrown toddler. Gap jumper is OK but nowt flash.

29 I do slightly fear the jumpsuit after today, but can drop into Warehouse this weekend so will have a look- that material looks a bit more forgiving.
financeprincess yep I too get the overgrown toddler look with dresses but the Zara one was ok on that score - maybe because it has pockets & is a bit.. slouchy. My comfort zone would be skinniest & top- I'll have a look at Cos, thanks!

skinnies not skinniest

Oh poo to Topshop. They cut for a very specific shape, and not very well. So poo to them. Please do not be put of jumpsuits forever.

I rather like the Zara dress, you shouldn't be picking things up off the floor anyway . Don't like the Gap thing no.

*off

also sorry for sending you there

Aw, rooty you are sweet! You can make up for it by giving me ideas about what to wear with the Zara dress, if I end up going for that....

I am a bit of a chronic under accessoriser (not a clue how to spell that), so I would say nothing. Well pants obviously . And actually still the red lip. I would spend your accessories budget on your face - perfect red lipstick (you can get really good cheap ones, Kate Moss for Rimmel soooo good), get your eyebrows done and splurge on Tom Ford shading palette thingy for max glam.

I would wear a slightly solid shoe with a dress like that, like the Whistles french stiletto (though now I've spend about £250 for you )

Look at all saints OP. MAybe something there

Just to muddy the waters a bit did you see this in Zara? similar shape, shows off your pins, looks like a good, matte, textured fabric and nice sparkly bits on top. What do you think?

Shoes, like Whistles but cheaper

Nice one, Rootypig. Was wondering how to justify £135 for the Whistles 'French 75' style. Take note, Spink! They will look wicked.